Job Summary

Responsible for ensuring the efficient operation, maintenance, and repair of plant equipment and systems to support production and maintain a safe working environment.

 

Essential Functions

• Perform routine preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of dairy processing equipment, including motors, pneumatics, conveyor systems, pumps, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, and other process equipment.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical equipment, including pumps, conveyors, gear reducers, seals, bearings, hydraulic/pneumatic systems, blowers, and vacuum systems.
• Remove defective parts by dismantling devices using hoists, hand tools, and power tools.
• Assist in equipment installations, modifications, and upgrades to support production efficiency.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, and documentation.
• Follow all safety procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), confined space entry, and hazardous material handling.
•  Wear a respirator when required for emergency situations or specific maintenance activities involving airborne contaminants.
•  Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams to maintain high operational standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and participate in root cause analysis for recurring maintenance issues.
• Perform general housekeeping, breakdown analysis, and other duties considered appropriate.
• Utilize GPS processes, driving zero losses and upholding the culture of Southwest Cheese non-negotiables.

• Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to the Occupational Safety and Health  Act, which apply to his/her actions and conduct.

• Compliance with all applicable food safety regulations and mandates.  (Food Safety Modernization Act- FSMA, Safe Quality Foods, Food and Drug Admin, Pasteurized Milk Ordinance)

 

 

Additional Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree in a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 0-1 years of experience in industrial maintenance, preferably in food or dairy manufacturing.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with PLCs, motor controls, and automated systems is a plus.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in an industrial setting.
• Ability to wear a respirator as required, including compliance with fit testing and medical clearance.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call shifts as needed.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently or as part of a team.

• Provide leadership to others through example and sharing of knowledge/skill.

• Ability to prioritize tasks, handle multiply projects simultaneously.
• Proficient personal computer skills, including electronic mail, record keeping, routine database activity, word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, etc.
• Comply with all safety policies, practices, and procedures.
• Participate in proactive team efforts to achieve departmental and company goals.

 

Typical Physical Activity

• Regularly involves talking or listening, standing and walking, and the use of hands and fingers.
• Frequently involves sitting, and reaching with hands and arms.
• Occasionally involves crouching, stooping, kneeling and/or climbing or balancing.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when necessary.

• Must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items, works with the fingers, and perceives attributes of objects and materials.
• Involves moderate physical activity, performing somewhat strenuous daily activities of a primarily product/technical nature.
• Should be able to identify and distinguish colors, see clearly at 20